WATCH: Onboard Nord Stream’s pipelaying vessel

A new export gas pipeline running from Russia to Europe has a released a video showing the construction of the twin pipeline.

The 1,223 km Nord Stream 2 will establish a direct link
between the coast of Russia and Greifswald, on Germany’s northern coast, ensuring
a reliable supply of Russian gas to Europe.

Over 1,100 km of the pipeline has been laid in Finnish,
Swedish and German waters.

The 477 m long pipelaying vessel, Pioneering Spirit, is currently anchored 30 km off the island of
Gotland, Sweden, 673 km from the pipeline’s starting point near Vyborg, Russia
and 550 km away from the end point in Lubmin, Germany.

Pipelaying is being completed at a rate of 3 km a day and the
construction of the first of two, 100 km sections in the Russian sea started in
May.

Construction works are proceeding well and according to plan.

Once completed, the twin pipelines, with an internal pipe
diameter is of 1,153 mm and a wall thickness of up to 41 mm, will have the
capacity to transport 55 billion m3 of gas per year.

The pipeline is a vital addition to Europe’s natural gas pipeline
systems, especially as domestic gas production is expected to be reduced by up
to 50 per cent in the next 20 years.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be US$8.75
billion; construction is planned for completion by the end of 2019.